PA: Gaza will remain occupied territory

Israel will remain an occupying power even after the disengagement from the Gaza Strip and should be treated as such, according to a legal document prepared by the Palestinian Authority.

The document was formulated in response to the interview given to Haaretz by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's adviser, Dov Weisglass, who said the disengagement plan is intended to freeze the political process with the Palestinians. He also said "the whole package called the Palestinian state" has been removed indefinitely from Israel's agenda, with the support and approval of the United States.

The document formulated by the PA's negotiations department says Israel will retain control over the Gaza Strip, which will therefore remain occupied territory even after the implementation of the disengagement plan. Israel will therefore be bound by international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, the document concluded.

Although Israel will supposedly remove its permanent military presence, Israeli forces will retain the ability and right to enter the Gaza Strip at will and control the airspace, sea shore and borders. These powers mean all goods and people entering or leaving Gaza will be subject to Israeli control.

The document says Israel seeks to proclaim an end to the Gaza Strip's occupation in order to absolve Israel of all legal responsibilities as an "occupying power," while simultaneously retaining military control over the Strip and its residents.